Bradford-based concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete has integrated the customer base of Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) specialist Cemcotec into its operations. The acquisition follows Oscrete’s recent addition of structural waterproofing business PUDLO, reflecting the company’s strategy to broaden its technical capabilities and service offerings.

The Cemcotec integration strengthens Oscrete’s position in the specialist GRC market, providing customers with access to the company’s laboratory facilities, warehousing, logistics, and range of concrete additives. Cemcotec founder continues to provide consultancy services to the sector while Oscrete assumes responsibility for customer relationships and ongoing support.

The company’s expansion into GRC demonstrates its focus on technical innovation, wider service delivery, and enhanced customer support across the construction industry.

The University of Leeds farm will operate as a research centre for climate-smart agriculture, testing practices designed to cut carbon emissions across farming systems. The site forms part of a European initiative targeting a 55% reduction in farm greenhouse gas outputs over five years.

Research at the farm will examine livestock nutrition, manure and slurry management, and the role of hedgerows and other natural features in capturing carbon. The goal is to produce practical, evidence-based solutions that can be implemented across commercial farms while maintaining economic viability.

The project is funded with £1.1 million from the Horizon Europe programme and forms one part of the £11 million Climate Smart Research initiative, involving 33 organisations from 26 European countries. Coordination is provided by Wageningen Research in the Netherlands, with a focus on accelerating the adoption of climate-resilient and sustainable farming techniques.

The University of Leeds farm spans 317 hectares across four operational sites. Current research infrastructure includes the Terrestrial Observatory, the National Pig Centre, a regional NIAB hub for crop science, the EntoExplore insect farm, and regenerative agriculture trials measuring the impact of sustainable practices on soil, crops, biodiversity, and profitability.

Findings from the farm will be shared with partner sites across Europe, providing a data-driven framework for climate-smart farming and enabling agricultural businesses to adapt to emissions regulations, environmental pressures, and market expectations.

Debenhams Group has extended its delivery agreement with Evri for two more years. The partnership covers Debenhams, PrettyLittleThing, boohoo, boohooMAN and Karen Millen.

Evri has been working with Debenhams Group since 2014 and delivered 807 million parcels in its most recent financial year. The renewed contract establishes Evri as a key delivery partner across the Group’s brands, supporting faster and more secure order fulfilment.

The extension coincides with Evri’s planned £50 million investment in its locker and ParcelShop network. The company aims to double its locations to 25,000 by 2030, offering customers more flexible delivery options.

The announcement follows Evri’s strategic moves, including a proposed merger with DHL UK eCommerce and the acquisition of Ireland-based customs and logistics specialist Coll-8.

The partnership supports Debenhams Group’s marketplace expansion and reflects a continued focus on flexible, reliable delivery solutions for millions of customers.

West Yorkshire businesses are expanding and hiring with backing from the Good Growth Programme, financed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The programme offers grants, coaching, and sector-focused masterclasses to SMEs with turnovers above £100,000. Areas covered include marketing, workforce development, operational scaling, net-zero initiatives, and digital adoption. Businesses also receive diagnostic assessments to pinpoint growth opportunities.

Since launch, nearly 250 jobs have been created, with a further 150 expected. The programme has also supported the development of 254 technologies aimed at improving efficiency and competitiveness. Client satisfaction rates reach 96 per cent.

Recent regional events facilitated collaboration between over 70 SMEs and policymakers, promoting sustainable business growth strategies. Companies like Wetherby-based Naturaw have used the programme to expand production capacity, develop staff skills, and implement marketing improvements.

The initiative highlights the impact of structured, tailored business support in driving employment, innovation, and long-term regional economic growth.

Lincolnshire is projected to face an energy deficit within the next decade, which could limit business growth and prompt firms to relocate.

County officials are preparing regional energy strategies in collaboration with the National Energy Systems Operator (NESO), established in 2024, to address rising demand. Forecasts suggest that by 2032, energy requirements will exceed current capacity, particularly affecting sectors such as agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and defence.

Certain commercial areas, including Grantham, the Holbeach Food Enterprise Zone, and Sleaford Moor business park, are expected to experience the most acute constraints. The shortfall could restrict inward investment and operational expansion unless additional energy sources are developed.

Council officers are investigating a mix of solutions, including geothermal energy and nuclear Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the East Midlands. Early mapping exercises are under way to assess feasibility and capacity.

The situation underscores the tension between local opposition to some renewable and nuclear projects and the need for affordable, reliable energy to support economic growth. Business leaders and policymakers are urged to consider compromises to ensure Lincolnshire remains competitive and attractive for investment.